They would not return again, unless their Congressmen reappointed them for another try.

In case that happened to any of the young men they would return to take up life with the new fourth class, and would henceforth be known as "bilgers." A man who has been dropped is a "bilger," whether he comes back or not.

A "bilger" is further described as "one who used to be in the game, and is now only on the outside looking in." Dave Darrin's standing for the year was two-eighty-seven.

Dan's was two-eighty-two.

Farley and Page came close to that figure.
None of these young men were in the "savvy" section, but all had passed with sufficient credit for the first year.
While the graduating exercises were going on the fourth class men were divided between drills on land and on water.
Dave and Dan were in a squad that marched up from the steam building just in time to catch a distant glimpse of the crowds surging out from the graduating exercises.
Both young men, and probably a lot of others in the same squad throbbed with a swift flash of thought.
As soon as the ranks were broken Dalzell seized his chum's hand, and began wringing it strenuously.
"David, little giant," murmured Dan ecstatically, "we are no longer fourth class men.